Gilwing said:
That was the hardest part for me. I still can't figure it out right. Heck I even have trouble cutting in a straight line. I think its more of where I am working (a small a$$ apartment). I have used a hot wire cutter as well as a dremil to get a bit more closer cut. I just can't seem to keep the damn thing even and straight with out messing up the foam. I know that sandpaper will help smooth it out when your done, other wise the latex will look bubbly.
Same problems I had. The hardest part of making a flat-bladed boffer, in my opinion, was getting the angled "edge" just right. I bought one of those hot-wire foam cutting boards for (I
think) $30 from Hobby Lobby:
But I realized that I would need to clamp on some guide-boards to keep the sword perfectly straight, replace the cheap plastic knob that secures the swinging arm at different angles, and tighten/replace the cutting wire. The loose wire kept throwing off the straight lines.
What we REALLY need is someone in the states to make
these:
http://www.dein-larp-shop.de/product_in ... cts_id=294
If I knew that enough people would buy them, I'd consider making these "blank swords" in the future, when I had some sort of dedicated workshop and not just my dining room table.
Instead of having a pointed tip, they could have a flat end where you attach your own open-cell foam thrusting tip, cover it in duct-tape or cloth, and BAM! You got yourself Alliance-friendly boffer swords with significantly improved aesthetics. You could still have latex and foam for the cross guard to the pommel, and you'd have a really nice balance between looks, safety, maintenance, and cost.
I wonder how much people would pay for these here in America. $15? $20 for the largest size?